wit ake sale nex! wre Baie! oon Wedne: serqanic th WIapfon vi aachig™ “nde sack! ne 98 “an an bi bon tal nd." si ae A ie’ SS 2 “ns aA es. nei javi on al Selle obs and ALe on ‘7 kvsale ty named, walCs “atsbuen SS anne er rsna Fad DietsBlur the Facts About Healthy Weight Loss (NAPSA)—When it comes to the “Battle of the Bulge,” Americans have plenty of diets from which to choose. Arguably, diet fads grabbing the most attention recently are high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets. These diets promote weight-loss strategies ranging from severe calorie restriction to eliminating an entire food group. While these diets promise a trimmer waistline, the verdict about long-term health effects isstill out. There have been no long-term studies of the high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets to determine whether this is a safe way to lose weight. On the other hand, there is growing evidence that high-carbohydrate diets, including recommended allowancesof grain foods, are a safe, healthful way to regulate weight. A June 2002 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study comparing low-carbohydrate vs. high-carbohydrate diets showed adults whoate highcarbohydrate diets were more likely to be in the normal weight range, with the lowest average body massindex. Because high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets severely limit or eliminate certain foods rich in complex carbohydrates, dieters often lack several vital nutrients, such as B vitamins and antioxidants. These compounds—found in grain foods, such as breads, rolls, crackers, and bagels—have been shown to alter risk factors for chronic diseases, such as certain cancers, heart disease, and diabetes. When it comes to weight control, it is not what is eaten, but how much. Studies like the USDA Healthy Eating Index show Ameri- cans already eat plenty of highercalorie proteins and fats, but fall short of meeting the recommended dietary goals for the bottom half of the Food Guide Pyramid. “While manyof the current diets offer a magic-bullet solution to weight loss, the healthiest way is to eat smaller portions, cut calories, increase physical activity, and consume a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet rich in grains, fruits, and vegetables,” said Georgia Kostas, M.P.H., R.D., L.D., author and director of nutrition of the Dallasbased Cooper Clinic. “While this approach may lead to slower weight loss than some diet plans, it is healthier and morelikely tolast.” Studies show this works. Researchers at the University of Colorado studied 3,000 individu- als, most of whom achieved longterm weight loss success by eating a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet anddaily exercise. “At any given time, 45 percent of women and 25 percent of men are trying to lose weight, but only one out of five are using sound, healthy weight-loss principles that will work for life, and are rec- ommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid,” added Kostas. “Consumers need to know the facts so they can make healthylifestyle choices.”
